OCIO CHRONICLES: A P R I L 2 0 1 1 V O L U M E 1 I S S U E 4

In response, the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) has initiated a review of its software applications to identify cloud-based alternatives. OCIO currently provides local copies of core applications, connections to corporate applications, and various utilities for standard workstations. However, in the future, more of these applications will be cloud-based, reducing the need to maintain each desktop's configuration. For specialized applications, a Software Approval Request (SAR) is still required, but the requester is expected to investigate available cloud-based alternatives. The OCIO is promoting a "green" initiative, with a focus on environmental sustainability. The office has partnered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to celebrate Earth Day by providing an easy way for employees to recycle electronic devices. The event will be held on April 19th at the loading dock of Two Potomac Yards, where employees can drop off items such as audio/visual equipment, coding equipment, and computer equipment. The Two Potomac Yards building, where OCIO is located, is a LEED Gold Certified building, reflecting a national commitment to environmental sustainability. The building was constructed on a site that was once contaminated with metals and petroleum fuels, but was cleaned up under the Superfund program. The building's design incorporates features such as energy efficiency, water conservation, and the use of recycled and low-environmental impact materials. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System is a certification program that recognizes projects that implement strategies for better environmental and health performance. Two Potomac Yards has earned LEED Gold certification, which requires 60-79 points. The building's features include a rainwater harvesting system, a high-efficiency HVAC system, and a green roof. The OCIO is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and other environmental impacts of its work. The office is promoting a "green" initiative, with a focus on environmental sustainability. The initiative includes activities such as recycling, energy conservation, and the use of environmentally friendly products. The OCIO is also promoting the use of cloud-based solutions, which can help reduce the need for hardware and software maintenance. The Phase Gate Review is a key process defined by USAID's IT Governance Methodology. The review is used to evaluate the progress of a project and determine whether it should proceed to the next phase. The review involves a thorough examination of the project's technical, financial, and management aspects. The OCIO is committed to using the Phase Gate Review process to ensure that its projects are well-planned and executed. The OCIO is also promoting the use of valuable IV&V services, which can help ensure the quality and reliability of its IT systems. IV&V services involve the independent verification and validation of a system's design, development, and testing. The OCIO is committed to using IV&V services to ensure that its IT systems meet the highest standards of quality and reliability.